Balancing Binge-Watching, Book Goals & Building a Brand: A Real-Life Style Creator’s Diary

Some weeks feel like a chaotic mix of 25 open tabs, half-read books, Pinterest boards I forgot to pin, and a Love Island episode that somehow turned into four. (NICOLANDRIA NATION)

And somewhere between all that? I’m clocking into a full-time job trying to keep it cute, calm, and still show up for my brand.

I’m currently:

• 🧠 Deep in a book challenge I swore I’d finish (11/25 for the year)

• 🍑 Glued to the drama on Love Island (the girls are carrying, as always)

• 💻 Balancing a 9–5 and building Lola Rae style guides before bed

And I still feel like I'm running out of time in life!! 

MID-LIFE CRISIS, IDENTITY CRISIS, FAMILIAL PRESSURE CRISIS, LOSING FRIENDS CRISIS, NO LOVE LIFE CRISIS... send help.

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What This Week Taught Me:

1. You can love fashion and still live in loungewear.

Some days I’m styling vacation looks in Canva after a long shift wearing a mumu, bonnet, and slippers. And that’s okay. Productivity isn’t always glamorous but the vision is still luxury.

2. Aesthetic doesn't always equal structure.

Your Pinterest board might be giving old money summer, but your actual week might be giving “survival mode.” Don’t let that disconnect make you feel like a failure. That’s just real life.

3. Creating takes energy and rest is part of the process.

Whether it’s Love Island or a late-night scroll through book recs, sometimes your brain just needs a reset. Your mind needs mood boards, but it also needs moments.

What I’m Working On (Even If It’s Slowly):

• Updating the next Lola Rae style guide (Birthdays are giving me the hardest time)

• Finishing two books before the end of the month

• Trying to not feel guilty for working a full-time job and building my dream on the side

• Letting myself breathe between hustle and rest